Audi A8 50 TDI - a novelty is coming

Finally, the Audi A8 has a successor. At first glance, it makes a big impression. Comfortable and packed with technology, it's one of the most technically advanced cars on the road right now. Is this what we expected?

Let's start with the look. There's no doubt about it A8. Its silhouette clearly references previous models, and in fact, if we covered all the details, we might have a problem with linking this form to model years. It's very timeless.

If we look at the details, we will see a new single-frame grille - much larger, wider. Undercut HD Matrix LED laser headlights play in harmony with it, but the real show only begins at the rear. The rear lights are connected by a red illuminated OLED strip. The last Audi I remember with "similar" taillights was the RS2. Having seen photos of the new A7, I would venture to say that this styling trick can be applied to all new Audis - as a reference to this legendary model.

But what kind of “show” was going on in the back of the car? At night, just open the car - the lamps gradually light up and show their capabilities: they are able to precisely change the light power. The new A8 even standing... alive. Remember TV series like Knight Rider? David Hasselhoff drove a Pontiac Trans Am named Kitt that spoke, and the LED lights on the hood glowed when he spoke. Audi showed what such a system looks like in the century.

Audi keeps the style, but...

I would say that Audi is one of the best new premium cars, if not… new A8. While we have a lot of excellent quality materials in the Q7, such as real wood with a natural grain or the same real aluminum, the A8 leaves a certain dissatisfaction. It's not that the materials are mediocre. Genuine leather is pleasant to the touch. The wood looks beautiful and adds elegance. Aluminum inserts add character.

However, the problem lies elsewhere. Black lacquered plastic patches take up too much space here. Of course, in the concept of this car, this is justified - which we will talk about a little later - but in terms of the selection of materials itself, this could have been decided differently. If screens need to be placed everywhere, why not use glass? Of course, it is properly reinforced so as not to endanger passengers in the event of an accident. Such a solution would definitely be more "premium" than plastic, which collects fingerprints quite easily and looks good only ... unused, in the living room.

Then why are there so many screens here? Audi decided to make the handling of the entire car more consistent. Almost everything - and that's really everything - is controlled by the touch screen. Information is displayed on the large upper screen on the center console - about music, maps, car and the like. The lower one already controls the functions of the car - there most of the time we will regulate the operation of the air conditioner.

Unlike other systems of this type, this one is very fast. What's more, it has a system similar to the iPhone's Force Touch. Each touch on the screen is confirmed by a subtle but noticeable click under the finger. A similar solution (display plus "click") was used to control the airflow, which in any other car is controlled using knobs. We even turn on the light this way!

The fact is that it is consistent and the automotive industry is likely to go in the direction of Audi - such an interface allows you to cram an unlimited number of functions into a very limited space. However, you need to figure out how to do this at a high enough level and limit the collection of fingerprints, because the Audi driver can sometimes go off the track to get french fries or chicken wings.

The A8, while supposed to spoil with plenty of rear space, doesn't stand out in this field in the non-L version we tested. The Skoda Superb we recently tested has more space. When we sit behind a tall driver, we may even get disappointed. If the most important person in this car is the one who rides in the back, then the extended version will be the best choice.

The trip is just… relaxing

Audi A8 it's one of those cars that, if it doesn't have the power, won't tempt you to go fast. That is why the version we tested with a 3-liter V6 diesel engine with 286 hp. perfectly matches the character of this limousine. Acceleration is enough - 100 km / h appears in 5,9 seconds, including due to the high torque - 600 Nm from 1250 to 3250 rpm.

However, the biggest advantage of this engine is its low fuel consumption. Although the car weighs more than 2 tons, it is content with less than 7 l / 100 km. Compared to an 82 liter fuel tank, it allows you to drive more than 1000 km without visiting a gas station. The absence of the need to stop often cannot but affect your comfort - at least mentally.

These savings come from a 48-volt electrical system, which in turn makes every new A8 a so-called "Pseudo-Hybrid". The mild hybrid system consists of a starter alternator that allows you to regenerate energy during driving and braking, as well as drive on the electric motor only - up to 40 seconds. The powerful starter also allows you to turn off the engine more often and wake it up to higher engine speeds when you need it. .

How does the new A8 ride? Incredibly comfortable. It is enough to turn on one of several massage modes, lean back in your chair and enjoy the absolute silence that reigns in the cabin. The suspension will not take us out of the trance into which Audi drives us - all the bumps are chosen exemplary. Kilometers fly by and we don't even know when.

And that's probably why Audi AI includes as many as 41 security systems. So that the driver can travel with peace of mind, knowing that to some extent the car will help him avoid an accident - or at least minimize its consequences. The last scenario doesn't sound good, but well, it can happen to anyone. We need to get out alive.

It is important to note that the operation of all systems is controlled in real time by one control unit. The car constantly analyzes the situation and makes decisions based on data from sensors, radars, cameras, a laser scanner and ultrasonic sensors. Based on this, he selects techniques for the situation from his range of skills - either he will warn the driver, or he will react.

In what situations can we count on help? The traffic jam assistant makes the biggest impression. For the first time, the manufacturer clearly recognizes that a driver is not needed if the car is in a traffic jam, on a road with at least two lanes, with a barrier separating oncoming traffic. So you can browse the internet with ease - the only question is, will Audi take damage if their car's "brain" does any damage? Unless that's not possible.

But I think there is. I used an assistant when the traffic on the Alley of Three Things in Krakow was very busy. However, at some point, everything relaxed, and the car in front of me decided to squeeze into the gap formed in the second lane. A8 blindly chased after him. Unfortunately, my nerves are not strong enough to check whether a car worth several hundred thousand zlotys is aware that it is driving into another car. I had to react.

So far only two versions

The Audi A8 is currently available with two engine options - the 50 TDI with 286 hp. or 55 TFSI with 340 hp We will pay at least PLN 409 for diesel, PLN 000 for petrol.

However, as is the case with Audi, the base price is for itself, and the customer trims are for themselves. The test model had to cost at least 640 zlotys.

Technology permeates every area of ​​life

Cutting-edge technology is amazing when first introduced and then lost in the midst of others. They do not go out of use - they just become commonplace, become something completely normal, although a few years ago their presence seemed impossible. Unlock phone with fingerprint or laser face scan? Tracking your physical activity? It just is and in many ways makes our lives easier.

The same is likely to be the case with the technology used in the new Audi A8. Now the so-called “3rd degree of autonomy” is impressive. He can't get to the other side of town yet, but we're getting closer. While this now stimulates our imagination to build images of the future, including less colorful ones, soon every car will be equipped with such systems, and we will no longer pay attention to them.

However, before we get to that point, cars will appear from time to time that will represent the state of the art. A state that allows the car to go, because it is clear that concepts can do even more - they have not just been prepared for so many variables that can arise in everyday life.

These fireworks, however, are a bit of a distraction from what the car still is. A type of transport that requires a driver. In the new A8, this driver will travel in very comfortable conditions without spending a fortune on fuel. Its passengers will also have nothing to complain about - and although after some time they may begin to wind their noses that there is not as much space as the size of the body broadcasts, they will be effectively distracted by all the amenities on board - TV, tablets, the Internet, etc. similar.

The new A8 is currently one of the most technologically advanced vehicles available for sale. And for a large part of customers, this is enough not to hesitate when placing an order. Audi - well done!